PH spiking

[A.O.]

So lately my PH has been spiking and I'm trying to figure out why.
Todays testing: DPD method
FC 4
CC <1
TA 50
CYA 60
CH 60
PH off the charts high.
I normally don't keep the CYA this high but it seemed my FC was getting ate up and this change fixed it.
And I know my CH is very low, but it always is and has never caused me any trouble. My well water is very soft, and my pool is fiberglass and the hot tub acrylic or whatever so not really a problem.
Anyhow the PH has been spiking lately and I'm trying to figure out why.

450 gal hot tub, Saltron mini system, we use it every night for 1/2 to 1 hour 2 adults.

Thoughts?

 

[Bperry]

So lately my PH has been spiking and I'm trying to figure out why.
Todays testing: DPD method
FC 4
CC <1
TA 50
CYA 60
CH 60
PH off the charts high.
I normally don't keep the CYA this high but it seemed my FC was getting ate up and this change fixed it.
And I know my CH is very low, but it always is and has never caused me any trouble. My well water is very soft, and my pool is fiberglass and the hot tub acrylic or whatever so not really a problem.
Anyhow the PH has been spiking lately and I'm trying to figure out why.

450 gal hot tub, Saltron mini system, we use it every night for 1/2 to 1 hour 2 adults.

Thoughts?

Aeration makes pH go up.

 

[A.O.]

Aeration makes pH go up.

Yes, that I know.. just a lot more lately.

 

[Newdude]

Have you verified you've reached your target when lowering it ?

How far do you lower it ?

 

[phonedave]

What has your TA been doing?

TA works to buffer changes in pH. My "required" TA seems to vary from fill to fill. Sometimes is on the low end, around 60. Other times it is a lot higher, up in the 90-100 range.

I adjust pH with acid, and let TA get to where it wants to be to keep my pH in range. Every time I think I can speed up the process by getting my TA to where I think it needs to be, it makes things worse, and my pH goes all over the place. It just seems to work a lot better for me to do a daily acid dose for a week to 10 days, and then the TA has become naturally simpatico with the pH

 

[A.O.]

Have you verified you've reached your target when lowering it ?

How far do you lower it ?

Right this minute it is at 7.4, I normally get it down to between 7.2 and 7.4

 

[A.O.]

What has your TA been doing?

TA works to buffer changes in pH. My "required" TA seems to vary from fill to fill. Sometimes is on the low end, around 60. Other times it is a lot higher, up in the 90-100 range.

I adjust pH with acid, and let TA get to where it wants to be to keep my pH in range. Every time I think I can speed up the process by getting my TA to where I think it needs to be, it makes things worse, and my pH goes all over the place. It just seems to work a lot better for me to do a daily acid dose for a week to 10 days, and then the TA has become naturally simpatico with the pH

I've been keeping my TA in that 40-50 range, been doing that for years. I also adjust my PH with Muriatic acid.

 

[Newdude]

I normally get it down to between 7.2 and 7.4

Run high 7s for comparison.

 

[A.O.]

Run high 7s for comparison.

So you are saying don't take it down so far? Maybe 7.6-7.8?

 

[Newdude]

So you are saying don't take it down so far? Maybe 7.6-7.8?

Typically, swg pools like to sit at 7.8 or 8 and fighting them is a fools errand. The hot tub is it's own beast with crazy aeration, of course, but we've got nothing to lose by trying. I'd let it get to 8.2 and dose to 7.8. If you dose a little early (8) or a little too much (7.6) no harm is done.

 

[A.O.]

Typically, swg pools like to sit at 7.8 or 8 and fighting them is a fools errand. The hot tub is it's own beast with crazy aeration, of course, but we've got nothing to lose by trying. I'd let it get to 8.2 and dose to 7.8. If you dose a little early (8) or a little too much (7.6) no harm is done.

So my thinking anyway, if I dose it at 8.2 which is about where I usually do but if I take it down to that say 7.4 mark it will take longer to get back up to 8.2. we are only talking about a 1/4 oz difference is all.

 

[Newdude]

but if I take it down to that say 7.4 mark it will take longer to get back up to 8.2.

It usually does the opposite, but is easy enough to change if running high doesn't work out.

Then I'd give @phonedave post #5 a shot.

 

[Bperry]

So my thinking anyway, if I dose it at 8.2 which is about where I usually do but if I take it down to that say 7.4 mark it will take longer to get back up to 8.2. we are only talking about a 1/4 oz difference is all.

Only shoot for 7.6 and see how that does.

 

[Mdragger88]

Mine has been that way a bit more this fill as I didn’t add borates. Usually it’s pretty rock solid.
By chance have you replaced your ph reagent lately?

 

[A.O.]

Mine has been that way a bit more this fill as I didn’t add borates. Usually it’s pretty rock solid.
By chance have you replaced your ph reagent lately?

Actually just started a new bottle.
I've never added borates, please explain.

 

[phonedave]

Actually just started a new bottle.
I've never added borates, please explain.

Borates are a thing that is not necessary in a pool or hot tub, but that many people use. I used to have them in my pool (and will likely add them again)

Borates do a number of things
- Make the water feel softer
- Reduce scaling
- Stabilize pH
- Make the water more "sparkly / jewel like" This last one is subjective - some people swear they see a difference, others say no (I think I see a difference myself)

You can add borates by using Borax, but Borax will also cause your pH and TA to go up, so then you have that to content with.

You can also use Boric Acid - Boric Acid will add borates and slightly lower your pH

You add borates when your pH and TA are where they need to be, since it helps to stabilize them. If you add it when they are out of whack, then it is that much harder to correct them.

If you go the Boric Acid route, make sure you get pure boric acid with no adulterants in it. Many people here get it from Duda Diesel (google them)

Boric Acid used for insect control (roach powder for example) often has other stuff in it (attractants, colorant, anti-caking agents, etc) that you do not want in your water.

 

[Newdude]

Make the water more "sparkly / jewel like" This last one is subjective - some people swear they see a difference, others say no (I think I see a difference myself)

I can't see a reason to try when I have this many sparkles with no borates. It already HURTS to look at, I don't want it to possibly hurt even more.




That said, I'd totally try them in a hot tub. It's a $200(?) experiment in my pool.

 

[Mdragger88]

Actually just started a new bottle.
I've never added borates, please explain.

Check that its the correct reagent for your comparator

Borates in pool - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

In a spa where you’re constantly battling ph rise from aeration they can be helpful & it’s an inexpensive endeavor with a small body of water - it’s about $2 for my little tub for each fill

 

[A.O.]

Check that its the correct reagent for your comparator

why would I use something that's not? Been doing this a long time!

 

[Mdragger88]

why would I use something that's not? Been doing this a long time!

There are 2 different Taylor ph reagents- r0004 & r0014.
many people have accidentally bought or received the wrong one. The fact that this ph thing is different than usual & you have new reagents warrants a check/confirmation.